Our take
Adam Wingard's R-rated desert action-horror pits Army sniper Celeste against escaped genetically engineered super-soldiers hunting civilians while she protects her young daughter, graphic gun violence, gore, nudity, and sustained child peril in a bleak military slasher.
Uplifting themes
Maternal protection and community defense provide limited uplift amid bleak violence Celeste is a protective mother and skilled defender, though methods are extremely violent
Story (may spoil tone)
When a rogue squad of genetically engineered super soldiers break loose in the desert, a badass Army sniper must unleash hell to protect her young daughter.
What we flagged
Scores are 0–5: 0 means none; 5 means the strongest we flagged in that category.
Details
Violence Relentless graphic violence: shootings, stabbings, beatings, explosions…
Relentless graphic violence: shootings, stabbings, beatings, explosions, and super-soldiers attacking towns with military firepower. A young child faces repeated life-threatening situations
Language Strong profanity cited in the R rating. Military and survival dialogue…
Strong profanity cited in the R rating. Military and survival dialogue expected to be harsh
Sex / nudity Sexual material and nudity are explicit rating reasons. Detail beyond d…
Sexual material and nudity are explicit rating reasons. Detail beyond descriptor not widely reviewed
Drugs / alcohol No drugs found in this title
No drugs found in this title
Frightening Genetically enhanced killers, civilian massacres, and a defenseless chi…
Genetically enhanced killers, civilian massacres, and a defenseless child create sustained dread. Critics describe the tone as bleak rather than fun horror
Child peril / abuse Celeste's young daughter is the core stake as super-soldiers slaughter…
Celeste's young daughter is the core stake as super-soldiers slaughter towns and close in on their trailer-park refuge. PTSD from prior military service adds parental stress
Bullying / discrimination Variety notes racial undertones in military-industrial themes though no…
Variety notes racial undertones in military-industrial themes though not foregrounded
Gore / death / weapons Gunfights, inventive slasher weapons, dismemberment, and bloody injury…
Gunfights, inventive slasher weapons, dismemberment, and bloody injury detail throughout desert town massacre sequences
Dangerous behaviour Military-grade weapons, improvised defense, and super-soldier violence…
Military-grade weapons, improvised defense, and super-soldier violence may glamorize retaliatory force for teens
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health Celeste's post-traumatic stress and threats from an ex-husband are take…
Celeste's post-traumatic stress and threats from an ex-husband are taken seriously in reviews alongside survival horror
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement Mass civilian casualties and community slaughter imply widespread loss…
Mass civilian casualties and community slaughter imply widespread loss though framed as action horror